The way gaming machine entitlements can be traded in South Australia has changed. Learn more about the new Gaming Machine Entitlement Exchange (GMEX). To operate gaming machines (known as pokies or poker machines) in South Australia you must:
- have a gaming machine licence, and
- hold a gaming machine entitlement for each gaming machine in your possession.
Gaming machine licences
To have a gaming machine licence you must have, or have applied for, one of these liquor licences:
- general and hotel liquor licence
- club liquor licence
- on premises liquor licence, but only if the nature of the business is similar to a licensed club and the premises is either:
- a major sporting venue
- the headquarters in SA for a particular sporting code.
Each gaming machine licence specifies the maximum number of gaming machines approved for a venue.
The most any venue can have is 40 machines.
If less than 40 machines have been approved for your venue, you can apply to Consumer and Business Services (CBS) to increase the maximum number of approved machines. You may need to undertake a community impact assessment, depending on the number of machines you want to increase.
Gaming machine entitlements
When a new gaming machine licence is granted, a licensee will need to purchase gaming machine entitlements. This can be done either:
- through the government’s approved trading system - the Gaming Machine Entitlement Exchange (GMEX)
- under a contractual agreement with Club One.
Each gaming machine entitlement gives the licensee the right to operate a single gaming machine at their venue.
It's an offence to operate a gaming machine without holding an entitlement.
The number of gaming machine entitlements held by a licensee cannot be more than the maximum number of gaming machines which have been approved for the venue. This is stated on the licence.
As a licensee, you can choose not to own or operate a gaming machine, even if you have an entitlement.
Buy, sell or move an entitlement
Gaming machine entitlements can only be purchased, sold or moved between gaming venues in one of three ways:
- through GMEX
- under a contractual agreement entered into with Club One, subject to approval by the commissioner
- under an arrangement between licensed non-profit associations, subject to approval by the commissioner.
Any changes to the number of entitlements held by a licensee must be approved by the commissioner and will be stated on the gaming machine licence. This will not affect the maximum number of gaming machines that are approved for a venue.
Gaming machine venues and entitlements held in South Australia - CBS
Club licensees
If a gaming machine licence is held by a club licensee, entitlements can be transferred to another club licensee who also holds a gaming machine licence. This is under an arrangement approved by the commissioner.
Club licensees are also able to amalgamate their gaming machine licence with another club in certain circumstances.
Contact CBS Gambling Team
Email: gamblingadministration@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882 and select option 6
Post:
GPO Box 2169
Adelaide SA 5001
Personal barring queries
If you want to be barred or have questions about your barring phone or text 0427 051 300
For all other queries, including venue queries relating to barrings, phone 131 882.
